Disclaimer: This is my blog and the opinions and views belong to me. All images are found on the internet and are believed to be part of public domain. All images posted are believed to be posted within my rights according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act (title 17, U.S. Code.) if credit for image is available, it will be posted with the associated photo. If you own the right to an image and would like for it to be removed please email tb.3296@gmail.com and it will be removed promptly. – Travis

fashion

A while back on my Instagram (@_thet_) I posted a poll asking, “Are you living your best life? If you are why do you think that and if not why aren’t you?” With that question, I just wanted to know from my followers if they were or not and to do a small bit of research.

The majority, of young African Americans, believe that they are not living their best life due to a multitude of things finances, post-grad life, or simply not doing what they want to do in life and not knowing how to start!

I did not solely piece that together with my small poll, but from situations, I have been in within my life. On the flip side other young African Americans believe they are from their current situation that could be considered stagnant or they are just simply comfortable. The question that I will always have though is, can you ever live your best life if you are always growing and developing in life? My answer is in the recording below! Gif by Giphy!

2018 has arrived and now it is time for the first lesson! Since we are in a New Year things are beginning to reset and things are beginning to be given such as clout….but first let me ask you some questions:

Are you the person who gets invited out everywhere no matter the time or day? Are you the one people try to plan around? Are you the one where folks always come for advice? Are you the person who at times is the center of attention or folks just wanna see you just to see you? I could ask questions all day but if you answered yes to any of these questions you ma’am or sir hold some clout! Congratulations!

Are you the person who tries to post things on Instagram that you know will gain attention even though no one cares? Are you the one person who tries their hardest to outshine others for no reason? Are you the one begging to be the center of attention even though there isn’t time for it or no is checking for you? Are you just always being extra and acting as if you do so much when you do……nothing at all? Once again I could ask you questions like this all day but if you answered yes to any of these questions you ma’am or sir you are begging for clout and you need to STOP!

If you do not know what clout means let me give you the Urban Dictionary definition along with the Dictionary definition:

With those definitions you now understand right? Clout is a social thing it is almost how everyone perceives you and how influential you are. Here’s an example, Oprah has major clout if she says jump the world around her will ask, “how high?”. But why? In simple terms, she is Oprah and Oprah has put in major work to get to that point. Plus the world perceives her in a very positive way! So why not do something for a kind person who just might pay you a bunch of money and give you some amazing advice? God knows I would.

Now, what if she was a very negative, hateful, and a sneaky woman? You probably wouldn’t do anything for her right? Right. Having clout is a social thing that only you can control! If you live your life and strive for greatness and do right by the ones that do right by you clout is going to follow you and grow for you. The ones that try to grab clout off of things such as being the loudest person in the room or the one with “nicest” clothing have zero clout in real life so they want you to give it to them by visual aesthetics. Not by who they truly are which probably isn’t the best person and those are clout beggers.

For myself, I have been told that I hold clout because I can answer yes to every single one of those questions…the first set of questions that is. Now, I am not trying to brag so do not take it as such but the reason that I hold it is that I have always been myself, positive, and lived what in my mind is my best life even though I have my ups and downs. Folks take note of it and want to know what I do, how I did it, and what is next. POSITIVE VIBES BRING POSITIVE VIBES AND THOSE VIBES BRING MAJOR CLOUT!!! So live on folks and live your best life

You may feel as though the day gets away from you and you aren’t accomplishing anything which is…..OK! Many people do but are you truly planning for your life or just planning for the day? Here is what I mean:

Planning for the day: Going to work and going out with not much thought of what you are going to do in the future in the terms of career, life, or anything that will bring you to that next level of life. If it is finically or just overall happiness.

Planning for Life: Living your daily life with goals that you are trying to reach that will bring you to that next level. You’re writing them down in places to remind you daily. You are setting up things that will benefit you in the long term!

Currently, this may be you!

Simple right? Right. You are probably asking, “Travis, how do I plan accordingly?” In the simplest way…SET YOURSELF UP FOR THE FUTURE!! Invest in something that will pay you back in the long run. Get that extra bit of education to get that promotion at your job. Start that small business that you’ve wanted to start. Just start planning for the bigger picture of life! If you have your own business already start doing everything and anything that deals with that business….dive into it. Don’t do what you believe you can and stick to that ground level. I am tired of hearing and seeing people who aren’t planning accordingly and are at a constant stand still with life. Never get comfortable!

Yes, enjoy the moment but when it is all said and done plan for the next step. Here is an example that is personal to me on both ends:

Me planning for the day: Before graduating from high school I did not know what I was going to do for college! All of my friends knew but me….I applied for one school and that was my dream school. I applied and the day decision was given out I was…..denied. I was being lazy and counter productive that I did not know what to do so I planned for that day, not for my life. But thank God my parents were planning for my life now I am at a school that I love and would have wished I considered a long time ago!

Me planning for life: Going into my senior year of college I already know what graduate school I want to attend and working to make sure that I am undeniable. I know the budget I want to be on for my first apartment! I know where I want my brand (#TravisSpeaks & 3>2.96) to be out in the future. Lowkey, I know where I want my Ph.D. and figuring out the requirements for that. I know where I want to be at organizational (ΑΚΨ & ΩΨΦ) wise when it comes to holding a national position within the organizations! But like always my parents are still helping me plan.

Prepare yourself to have one of these moments.

Take your time and sit down with yourself and say to yourself, “What is next for me?” Let the thoughts flow and write them down. Figure out your goals and begin to PLAN the steps it takes to get to that goal. It could all be so simple! If you need some help ask someone who you think that knows best or….ASK ME!!! Email me at tb.3296@gmail.com or DM on IG @_thet_! I will be happy to help. It is always the season for improvements! So start improving but stay patient. It takes time to get into the new groove of improvement. God knows it was hard for me at some points because you either feel defeated or still nothing is happening. Like I said before what you are doing is not for the moment it is for the long run. Like a savings account for life, it is not needed at that moment but you will need it in the future!

Quick Scenario: You planned a day with your friends that you haven’t seen in a while! Cool right? Right. You put on your outfit, look at the menu of the restaurant, and do all the prep work to get ready for this iconic social day! Until….the dreaded text messages roll in of the cancellations from your friends:

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?!?! Go ahead and go with the plans and go alone or stay at home?

Well, I am going to tell you what you are going to do! GO OUT AND ENJOY THIS SELDOM ALONE TIME YOU HAVE!!! In my head, I have mastered the art of going out alone not in the sense of being “anti-social”. Just in the simple sense of I want to enjoy my day alone and be on my own time! A majority, of people, haven’t tried it and maybe you haven’t but there is nothing wrong with that because I am here to help you! So let’s gear up and grab our wallets to start our journey!

So boom……you’re alone with the plans that were set and are already dressed so what is next?

First, make sure you have prepped your daily life for this outing when it comes to gas in your car, money in your account, didn’t have to go to work, and all bills are paid. Nothing worst than going somewhere and you have absolutely no type of funds to do anything! Yes, it has happened to me before! Bonus tip: Set a budget for your outing no matter what you’re doing. If you’re just eating set a price for that ticket. If you are shopping set that amount you will not surpass. If you are going to a museum set how much you want to pay in there or go somewhere free!

Next, try to find a location that peaks your interest if not an area where there is a lot to do. For example, my favorite type of place or area would be anything dealing with either fashion or art with a nice food spot that is in walking distance. Where you go can be brand new to you or a somewhere you have already peeped and wanted to know more about or somewhere you know very well. Just make sure you’re in a safe place!

Lastly, head out!Drive your well-prepared self to your place of interest! Once you get to that location sit down and relax and just think about life and enjoy the views and pictures that you are going to take! Let all positive vibes in and give them back! You’ll be at the height of your relaxation meter once you get out of the mindset that you need someone to sit across from you or walk with you.

Shop & Eat

Seems so simple right?It is.So hard to do though right?It is for the first time. Reason being you do not want anyone to label you as “funny acting” or “being too cute to hang with others” or your mind may be skewed to think that you always have to be with someone to have fun. How do I know this? I have friends who have thought like this along with myself for a short period of time but you do it once you almost can’t stop!

Next, you’ll see yourself spending 1 to 2 hours alone to spending an entire day alone and not walking back in the house until 12 AM of the next day. How does Travis know this? I have gone out at 9 AM ate breakfast and came back home at 12 AM with three to-go boxes and a small shopping bag (balling on a budget) with my calfs looking amazing! Going out alone does not make you weird not even a little bit!

So get up folks and enjoy a day without bae (if you have one), without friends, and without your pet (if you have one)! Life is too short for you to think that you have to depend on all of your fun time into an individual or group. Maybe you and I will cross alone day paths!

It has happened to all of us in some way, shape or form! Even for this blogger, it has happened and at times still, does. Being fearful of your goals when you get to them or working towards them. It is not a negative thing it is just you being a tad bit self-conscious in a goal abiding way. Just follow me! You’ll understand by the end of this.

The Problem!

You: Well….what is my problem, Travis?

Me: Well….I’ll tell you because I gots love for you!

If you are in a panic state….CALM DOWN!!!! It is a problem many people face if not all. The problem is not you can’t accomplish your goals the problem could be one or more of these components:

Lack of motivation: Which can happen all the time or from time to time! “I don’t wanna!”

Fear of completion: That you’ll work and nothing will come out of it

Getting to the goal and not know what to do next: Yay you did it! But what is next?

Not understanding your goal: Do you know what is going on?

Those are some of the main goal fearing components that I see in this day and age along with my GENERATION! Those negative components go with all goals not just those big goals of a promotion at work or improvements of your finances. It could be anything such as you wanting to gain some weight (me) or creating/furthering your small business. Goals are goals no matter how big or small some are easily accomplished while others aren’t and that is just how it is! Just do not and I repeat do not fear those goals be prepared for those goals and grow/accomplish those goals folks! So with every problem, there is a solution so let’s get to those!

Problem Solving!

You: So what is my solution to my problem?

Me: Now, you are asking the real questions! You hold the solution I am just going to bring it out of you.

Since you’re calm now we can now figure out what to do about our goal fears! It’ll be hard at first but I have total confidence in you. So with those four I gave a few words ago here is the solution to them:

Find what truly motivates you: Maybe it’s the money or the passion that you have for that goal. Use that energy of DREAMING to DOING!

Work is work: You may think that work is in vein but little do you know you probably done set yourself up for something bigger and better.

Let’s not think of what is next: Let’s think about how you are going to grow that goal once you accomplish it! Completion = A Seed!

Understanding what it takes: All goals have a process you need to understand your process and ADJUST!

After reading this you have no excuse for being fearful of your goals! Goals are positive and not negative! It may take some time to achieve a goal but you can accomplish it. No goal is too big nor too small! Your goals are your goals and no one else’s only you can achieve em!

If you know me well you know that I’m in the military! It’s my pleasure to serve you just in case you were saying in your head, “Thank you for service.” As you already know the military deploys from time to time and I went on one…..to where you ask? The wonderful state of Montana of course! With my military uniform in my bag, I had to figure out what I was going to wear on our downtime (which we had a lot of)…..now the old me would have packed about 20 different outfits with 40 pairs of shoes. But I have grown up! So what did I do? I packed three outfits………….yes……only three. Crazy right? Not really! Listen to me folks…..when you travel only pack for what you know you are going to do!

I know I was going to be lounging around a lot so I brought primarily lounge around clothing…THAT CAN BE WORN WHEN GOING OUT JUST IN CASE I DID NOT WANT TO PUT ON ANYTHING “FANCY”!!!Versatility is the key here folks! Really, with three outfits you have 27…..here is the math. Three shirts, three pairs of pants, and three pairs of sneakers 3 multiplied by 3 multiplied by 3. Combinations folks! Here are the outfits:

#1 Loose As A Goose

#2 Feels A Little Tight

#3 Oh He’s A Que!

Now, do not get me, wrong folks, I am not saying you can’t bring a little bit of extra clothing with you like an extra pair of pants and shirt but no need to overload! One thing that I do when I travel if it is not dealing with the military I pack at least 3 to 4 full really nice outfits and wear another outfit on the way to my destination….which means I just plus my outfit arsenal by 1!

So what is my point exactly? With limited clothing at home or on a trip if you know how to mix and match what you have you’ve beaten a constant style challenge that some of the most fashionable continue to fight and at times can’t figure out! It’s a pretty simple message I know but some just don’t understand. Something that I have been preaching for years is that fashion is simply the clothing! The style is internal! Do not let the covers of these magazines, runways, and celeb fashion define you when it comes to style…..LET EM INSPIRE YOU!!!

So you may or may not know that I Travis am an..INTERN!!!! Yes, I am I living the luxurious life as one. Now, I will not disclose the location but just know that I am doing some big stuff in my life. Since the spring semester has started I’ve been working on projects for my internship that range from art to how to better communicate my I guess you can say “employers” to the community. So with the young mind that I have, I’ve figured out some simple ways that I do not mind sharing that I am currently using:

Social Media: Yes, I know everyone says this but do you really know how to use it? For example, we have two college campuses and a town that from it looks like isn’t all that interested in art. BUT!!! Those two college campuses are along with they have art departments. Following students on campus will get you recognized and connected.

Getting Hip with The Times: Listen in this day in age you need a bomb website that is good on your phone and on a desktop! So simplify that website so people can truly navigate how you want them too.

PR (Public Relations) Is NOT Scary: Hello, folks PR is the almost the backbone of a successful business other than money! It is the small things that count. Customer service and giving positive vibes as a whole for a business makes everything so much better.

Overall, I can say this year is about to be something serious! With this place going under renovation and me helping out with the rebranding…. ZERO GAMES WILL BE PLAYED!!! May if authorized I’ll show y’all some stuff down the line.

Do not get me wrong here folks I am not bragging about my finances, not one bit. I do understand that some people may not agree with this post on the basis of…”Everyone does not have it like you, Travis.” Which I totally understand but just like them I do not have it like others! I have put in my work and will continue to do so.This is a simple post about how I feel when it comes to my generations finances and how they need to be better! Along with what can be done to have better finances. A lesson may be taught from this. Yes, you may have something that is above zero but do you know how to spend it? So you saying “I got money” will be “I had money” in a few right?

Within our generation and I am speaking for the 90s babies majority of us do not know how to save money or what to do it (from what I have seen). Unless it is something illegal (weed) or something that is not a must-have such as sneakers, then we will spend our money on that faster than we will spend it on buying a car or anything else that is deemed important. How do I know? At one point I was guilty of this and some of my friends were too. So who put me on point? My oh so wonderful mother also known as The Finance Bar. Some of us have grown out of it due to it happening within our younger years! “What are you getting at Travis?” is what you may be asking. What I am getting at is that….IT IS TIME TO GROW UP PEOPLE!!! It is time for us to grow our money! Yes, I know it can be hard. But are you willing to sacrifice? That is what it is all about. For example, if you do not know I am a military guy so I have spent overall maybe three months of time just dealing with military stuff. As a result, I did not see my friends and family, missed out on parties…I EVEN MISSED OUT ON MY UNIVERITY’S HOMECOMING AND WE HAD WALE THAT YEAR!!! Aside, from that when I was in high school I worked at Chick-Fil-A, and if I could help it I would work every day other then Sunday, of course, to make sure I had that extra cash. That was around the time I figured out how to pay for skip lines at parties. Yea, I am that guy….RIGHT UP INTO THE PARTY I GO!!! I refuse to wait outside and you should too. It was all because I saved and I am not the only one who has done it! I know plenty of people who put in that extra work and you can too. You wanna know what you can do? Let me tell you:

Limit your spending habit. A budget is always good to have.

Whatever you receive put 10% of it in your…SAVINGS ACCOUNT!! That is what it is there for… to save.

Know when to say “no” to outings. If you do not have it you do not have it. (Not having it does not mean broke it means that whatever it it does not fit within your financial goals)

If you work take up some extra shifts. Maybe another job if you are able to. There is nothing wrong with the “you are always at work” it’s because you are always at the bank. HA!! (College students finding an on-campus job saves gas and time)

If you are willing to make a time to sacrifice and commit, join the military either full-time or part-time. Unless your job calls for it….YOU ARE NOT GOING TO WAR!!!

Stop buying clothes for every single party! No one likes a broke socialite.

Illegal substances and alcohol you do not and I repeat do not….NEED THEM!!

Those are just a couple tips I do myself and they work for me. I have had those late nights and nights where I wanted to give up but you can’t. Use this year to get to those #lifegoals that you post on IG. Overall folks, it is time to put in real work which is sacrificing just a little bit. You will thank yourself and your bank account later!

Do not get me wrong folks…..I love the clearance section of any store but am I the only one that peeped that majority of them are quite weak now! Like back in the day in my middle school years and some high school years (I am a college junior now) it felt as though all of my little “fashion weirdness” dreams would be answered by the clearance section. Now, it feels as though those dreams have become nightmares for not only my outfit game but for my pockets too. Keep up with me on this! Like this man in the background…but I will be moving at the speed of Nicki Minaj!

So let’s touch one of my “favorite” mainstream stores that I want to low-key work at…Urban Outfitters (UO). For years I have shopped at this store through its good times and bad times I was always there. At that wooden desk with my little debit card praying that it goes through. Even though I would have a hand full of nothing but clothes that were past its season. No issue to me! I would run into that store and push everyone out of the way just to go through the many racks of clearance. I would find anything everything from jerseys to pants that actually fit me. I was so happy…..but as time went by the racks got smaller and the 50% clearance sale did not happen as often. So I went from running too fast walking to a slight shuffle into the back of this store. Now, the clearance section feels just as expensive as the main floor with lame clothing.

Why do I think that is? One, UO is one of the biggest hot spots now when it comes to Urban/Hipster clothing so of course prices are going to go up and things stay out a little longer on the sales floor. (My HBCU has taught me a little something-something.) Secondly, we are within an age of fashion where everyone has the talent to make something for someone. Well, let me not say everyone but majority of people and if someone does not have that talent they know some who does. I mean for me having my own clothing brand for this Christmas seasons people have dropped the mainstream stores and started shopping with me! So I cannot complain too much. Finally, people gotta save their money so UO along with other stores is trying to cut back on their losses.

What is to be taught from this?:

The 90’s baby age group has deaded the whole concept of being trendy just a little bit and trying to be smarter with our money. I mean let’s face it most of us are in our 20’s. We are going to leave all that expensive stuff to the 2000’s babies.

Mainstream stores are starting to lose their audiences that they have been supporting them for years. (Another example: American Apparel)

D-I-Y (Do It Yourself) or LSDI (Let Someone Do It) I made the second one up but besides that those are the two ways to go as of right now. If someone can make you something that is custom to you for just a couple of dollars extra or same price as store stuff you are more willing to get it. Which makes sense. Along with DIY stuff if you can do it…..why buy it? I mean let’s be real if you know that you can make your own “Yeezy” Season hoodie or your own clutch why buy it?

As a college student owning a small business things can get pretty hectic. I mean the balance between mid-terms along with finals and creating a new collection and gathering the new art and paying folks on time…sounds easier said than done. But there are some things that this small clothing brand owner has learned over the years.

Using What You Learn in Class towards Business

Due to me being a mass communications major and a psychology minor I learn a few things that I put towards my business. For example utilizing thirty seconds and at times keeping things simple to show off a bigger picture….if you get what I am saying. For example, the pop up shop event that my brand hosted I utilized simple colors and a simple background for the flyer instead of clogging it up with unnecessary things. Due to me learning in my psychology class that you if you give the mind too much to look at it will stop paying attention and move on to something else. Along with learning in my mass communications class if you present something that has too much going on the public will not know what you are promoting. (Oh and yea that was my event in the featured image section)

2. Utilizing your University

Being a student you meet many…..many….many…many….many people (plus my school is beside another HBCU) so I know a lot of other students. Which means I have nothing but talent around me and other African Americans who have the ambition to work hards for their ending goals in life. So when it comes to art I will see if a student can do it or when I need pictures taken I’ll try to find someone on campus who does photography. Majority of the time if the person is just starting out they may charge you (small fee) or run you the free ninety nine special. No matter what it is you will feel better helping someone out and building them while they help build you.

3. Your Campus Is Your Support System (No Matter if you Mess up)

When I became an official student of Claflin University I did not know what to think when it came to my business due to it being based so heavily in Charlotte, North Carolina but…..after a few conversations with some students who have some social pull within my school. The whole campus opened their arms to my business and said “come on it there is more than enough room for you” so that is when my brand began to get invited to show in events on campus. Overall, folks wanted to buy my stuff. My campus became my major support system along with one of my biggest marketing tools….like let’s not forget everyone is going home with my stuff and when they wear it hope their friends are asking where they got it from….but I cannot tell y’all all of the secrets.

4. Knowing How to Budget that Small Bit Of Money

So as college students for funds at some point may be slow! Even though I have some income streams there has been times when….something was not adding up money wise. With that money I am receiving I am able to still have the nights where I want to eat some unhealthy Cook Out but still be able to pay the monthly fee for my website among other things such as restocking on shirts and hats. I have had to scale back and eat majority of my meals in the cafe and not once step foot off campus to a fast food…all in sacrifice for my small business.

5. Friends Will Help You No Matter What

Do I hear free volunteer work and creative advice? Yes, I do. My close group of friends help me out more ways than one. They even purchase everything that they own of mine and never ask for anything for free. Along with if I send them an idea they will tell me in the most blunt way…..”Travis that is ugly we need something better.” Due to the fact of they all have creative minds like me. If you do not have that within your group of friends there is someone who can give you advice. Along with any events I work they are more than willing to help me run my table at no charge….or they may just want some food or a simple milkshake. Your real friends will help and support you with anything just make sure you do the same for them.

Overall, my experience with owning my business has been quite positive. There are days where things do not look the best but I know that I can and will turn it around and make it something amazing! So for all of my college students it may seem difficult to own a business and be a college student but once you get things down packed and know what you are doing things will become second nature. Stay blessed!